Philadelphia

Violence Erupts at ‘We the People' Rally in Old City

Four people were arrested near Philadelphia's National Constitution Center Saturday afternoon after a gathering of ring-wing groups turned violent, police said. 

Multiple fights broke out throughout the day between demonstrators and counter-protesters. A police captain was attacked during one of the scuffles and taken to Hahnemaan University Hospital, according to law enforcement officials. A 23-year-old man was arrested for that assault. 

Two others, a 26-year-old man and a 35-year-old man, were arrested for failing to disperse. A 31-year-old woman was arrested for disorderly conduct, police said.

Blood dotted the sidewalk as protesters from both sides disbanded. 

The rally was held near the Independence Visitor Center on 5th and 6th streets. While the "We the People" demonstration was not advertised as a gathering of so-called alt-right demonstrators, several members of the Proud Boys, a white supremacist group, were said to be in attendance.

A contingent of counter protesters bearing signs denouncing fascism and racism steadily grew, with skirmishes growing increasingly tense.

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